NEA introduces bands for 1-hour PM2.5 readings

A view of the city skyline shrouded by haze in Singapore on March 31, 2016. Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su

The National Environment Agency has introduced bands for readings of the 1-hour PM2.5, or fine particulate matter.

The 1-hour PM2.5 readings are indicated as “normal”, “elevated”, “high” or “very high” and correspond with bands ranging from I to IV to help the public plan their activities, NEA said in a statement on Monday (27 June).

With the introduction of the bands for the 1-hour PM2.5 readings, the 3-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) will no longer be relevant and NEA will phase it out by the end of this year.

During periods of haze, the 1-hour PM2.5 readings are better at indicating air quality than the 3-hour PSI or the 24-hour PSI readings, NEA said.

NEA will continue to publish the 24-hour PSI forecast, which is used to advise the public on major decisions such as school closure.

Additional information on the changes to the 1-hour PM2.5 readings is available on the haze microsite www.haze.gov.sg and myENV app.